2024 T20 World Cup: Predicting 3 players who could score the most runs in today’s India vs Afghanistan match
Team India will play against Afghanistan in their first Super 8 game of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday, June 20. The Afghans are expected to give a tough fight despite their dismal record against the Men in Blue.
The two teams have met each other eight times in the shortest format, with the Men in Blue having won seven, while the other match didn't produce a result. Moreover, it's a clean sweep in favor of India when it comes to T20 World Cups; they have won three out of as many games so far. While history favors India, the Afghans are improving all the time and will be no pushovers.
The ongoing T20 World Cup has witnessed a good balance between bat and ball. However, the last few games have seen some high-scoring encounters, and the wicket in Barbados will likely be conducive to batting.
On that note, let's take a look at three players who could score the most runs in today's India vs Afghanistan clash.
#1 Rishabh Pant
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been in good form and has been India's highest run-scorer so far in the T20 World Cup. The southpaw has amassed 96 runs in three games at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 124.67.
Pant, who made a return to international cricket after almost 18 months, will look to continue his blistering form and thrive in his new batting position against Afghanistan.
#2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz
The Afghan wicketkeeper-batter has been in spectacular form with the bat and has consistently provided his team with good starts. Afghanistan tend to win more often than not when Gurbaz scores runs, making him crucial to their chances.
The right-handed batter is currently the third-highest scorer in the tournament with 167 runs in four matches at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of over 150.
Gurbaz will look to play another defining knock and give his side a quick start against a star-studded Indian bowling attack.
#3 Virat Kohli
Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has had difficult outings so far in the T20 World Cup. He has managed to score only five runs in three games, including a golden duck against the USA.
Kohli will be desperate to hit his straps against Afghanistan. The right-handed batter was near flawless in IPL 2024, winning the Orange Cap, and will look to return to form today.